Operating an online store in the German market requires knowledge of local consumer law. German regulations are stringent and focused on consumer protection. It’s important to know the key principles and obligations to avoid potential legal issues. In this article, we will present the basic issues that you should keep in mind when running e-commerce in Germany.
Impressum – Duty of disclosure The Impressum is a section on the website where the business owner must provide their contact details and information about the company. This is a legal obligation under the German Telemedia Act (TMG). The Impressum should include the company’s name, address, contact details, and tax identification number, among other things.
Privacy Policy (Datenschutzerklärung) An online store operating in the German market must have a privacy policy compliant with German law and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The privacy policy should inform customers about the collection, processing, and storage of personal data, as well as their rights in this regard.
Right to Withdraw from the Contract In Germany, online store customers have the right to withdraw from the contract without giving any reason within 14 days of the delivery of the goods. The business owner must clearly and understandably inform the customer about this right. In case of withdrawal, the customer has the right to a refund, and the business owner is obliged to return the money within 14 days.
Information about Prices and Delivery Costs German consumer law requires that the business owner inform customers about product prices and delivery costs in a clear and understandable way. The price must be given in euros and include all taxes, and delivery costs should be provided before the order is placed.
Warranty and Guarantee In Germany, specific regulations apply to warranties and guarantees. The business owner has an obligation to inform customers about their rights in this area.
